Balapur Ganesh Laddu Fetches Record Rs 39 Lakh in Auction
Hyderabad: The famous Balapur Ganesh laddu auction 2026 has created a new record, with the 21-kg laddu fetching Rs 39 lakh in an open auction held on Friday, September 25.
City-based entrepreneur S. Praneet Reddy emerged as the successful bidder for the iconic Balapur Ganesh laddu. The auction was held in Balapur, on the southern outskirts of Hyderabad, before the traditional Ganesh immersion procession.
Balapur Ganesh Laddu Sold for Rs 39 Lakh
The Balapur Ganesh laddu auction attracted eight bidders this year. The annual auction is one of the most popular traditions associated with Hyderabad’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Devotees and bidders believe that the Balapur laddu brings prosperity and good fortune to the person who wins the auction. The winner traditionally shares pieces of the laddu with family and friends and also distributes or preserves portions of it at homes, businesses and agricultural fields.
Balapur Laddu Auction Price Rises Every Year
The Balapur laddu auction has witnessed a significant rise in its price over the years. The tradition began in 1994, when the laddu was sold for just Rs 450.
Kolanu Mohan Reddy won the first auction in 1994 and reportedly remained the successful bidder for five consecutive years. His claims of prosperity after winning the auction helped increase the popularity of the Balapur Ganesh laddu.
Since then, the auction has become an important part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Hyderabad.
Previous Balapur Ganesh Laddu Auction Records
The Balapur Ganesh laddu has continued to attract high bids in recent years.
- 1994: Rs 450
- 2024: Rs 30.01 lakh
- 2025: Rs 35 lakh
- 2026: Rs 39 lakh
The latest Rs 39 lakh Balapur laddu auction has set a new record.
Balapur Ganesh Immersion Procession
The annual laddu auction marks the beginning of the traditional Ganesh immersion procession from Balapur. The procession passes through several parts of Hyderabad before reaching Hussain Sagar Lake.
The Balapur Ganesh celebrations have a history of around 45 years, while the laddu auction tradition has continued since 1994.
History of the Balapur Ganesh Laddu Auction
For the first 15 years, the auction was restricted to local residents. The organisers later opened the auction to people from other areas, increasing participation and the popularity of the tradition.
According to the Balapur Ganesh Utsav Samithi, the auction has been conducted 31 times so far. The auction was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 situation. During that year, the organisers presented the laddu to then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
Why Is the Balapur Laddu So Popular?
The Balapur Ganesh laddu has gained popularity because of the belief that it brings prosperity and good fortune. Businessmen and other participants have traditionally competed to win the auction.
The laddu is not only considered a religious offering but has also become an important symbol of Hyderabad’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
With Rs 39 lakh, the 2026 Balapur Ganesh laddu auction has once again highlighted the unique tradition and growing popularity of the famous Hyderabad Ganesh festival.